Ugly beads, critics welcome...

[GManBart]

Yes it is . Can you see , that is my biggest problem . You have got to be on top of that weld .

I have a decent auto-darkening helmet, so I'm able to see pretty well. I have thought I should try a slightly lighter shade setting, but I don't think I'm too far off as it is. I'm glad I don't have to deal with a fixed shade lens!

 

[murphy1244]

I have a decent auto-darkening helmet, so I'm able to see pretty well. I have thought I should try a slightly lighter shade setting, but I don't think I'm too far off as it is. I'm glad I don't have to deal with a fixed shade lens!

You welds have come a long way in such a short time. Congrats G-Man.

 

[GManBart]

You welds have come a long way in such a short time. Congrats G-Man.

Thanks....lots of that is the folks here giving me feedback!

I think trying to do 30-60 minutes almost every day helps. I can focus on just one or two things at a time, and it keeps me coming back for more.

I can't wait for the new welder to get here :cool2:

 

[GManBart]

I haven't had much time to weld for the past week, but had a few minutes today, so I ran a couple of fillet welds with 7018. I played around with the rod angle and think I figured out what was making the previous beads look pointy....too flat and a bit too much drag angle.

Below are pics of the two best and the interesting/good thing is that when I was welding the one in the first picture, I saw the spots where the inclusions happened on the right half. I got a bit too far ahead of the puddle, and that's exactly where the inclusions are. I think that's progress....seeing what's actually happening. You may notice a couple of horizontal lines....I had a cutoff disc on the grinder and used that to quickly clean up some spatter rather than switch to a wire wheel (second grinder is part of the plan)...slipped a few times.

Still lots to learn, but I feel like I can get two pieces of metal to stick together reasonably well at this point....at least enough for working on farm implements!

 

[Shield Arc]

Those welds are a huge improvement:thumbsup:! Can't wait until you get into vertical up hill welding.

Guy only needs one grinder!

 

[k0ua]

You have come far pilgrim.

 

[LittleBill21]

so this is the powerarc 160? why are you already getting a new welder?

 

[Furu]

Guy only needs one grinder!

Really.
That is not even all of them by my memory.

 

[GManBart]

Those welds are a huge improvement:thumbsup:! Can't wait until you get into vertical up hill welding.

Guy only needs one grinder!

Thanks! Vertical up is next in line, for sure!

LOL...forgot to add I'm also looking at die grinders, so that makes two more I plan to acquire!

 

[GManBart]

You have come far pilgrim.

Thanks! I find it fun, and challenging, and that appeals to my stubborn side